John Egerton Christmas Piper CH (13 December 1903 – 28 June 1992) was a versatile English artist celebrated for his contributions as a painter, printmaker, and designer across various mediums, including stained-glass windows, opera sets, and theatre designs. Renowned for his evocative portrayals of the British landscape, particularly focusing on churches and historical landmarks, Piper's artistic repertoire extended to encompass tapestry designs, book covers, screen-prints, photography, fabrics, and ceramics. Educated at Epsom College and honing his skills at the Richmond School of Art followed by the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, Piper's artistic journey evolved from abstraction to a more nuanced and recognizable style, marked by a fusion of naturalistic elements with his distinctive artistic vision. Throughout his career, he deftly explored various stylistic approaches, displaying a remarkable versatility. Piper's significance as an artist was further underscored by his role as an official war artist during World War II. His poignant depictions of bomb-damaged churches and landmarks, notably the haunting renditions of Coventry Cathedral, propelled him into the public eye, cementing his legacy and prompting acquisitions of his work by numerous esteemed collections. Collaboration was central to Piper's artistic ethos, as evidenced by his partnerships with notable figures such as poets John Betjeman and Geoffrey Grigson on the iconic Shell Guides, as well as collaborations with esteemed artisans like potter Geoffrey Eastop and artist Ben Nicholson. In his later years, Piper continued to captivate audiences with his prolific output of limited-edition prints, further solidifying his position as a revered figure in the annals of British art history.